WWE Superstar AJ Styles delivered a marvelous pro wrestling spectacle while fighting John Cena at the 2025 Crown Jewel. The Phenomenal One lost his final confrontation against The Franchise Player while fighting in his classic TNA gear. Interestingly, shortly after this match, a TNA star has now expressed that he wants to fight AJ soon.
Leon Slater is one of the hottest stars in TNA right now. The TNA X-Division Champion recently spoke to WhatCulture Wrestling and talked about wanting to fight Styles in a dream match. He also highlighted that he believes it is highly likely that he will face the former two-time WWE Champion soon.
I’ve been saying recently, I think the two dream matches that people were excited for me to have were Je’von, which is happening on Sunday, and AJ Styles, which is happening, I don’t know when… I will say, although AJ has been putting out a lot of cryptic messages about hanging up the gloves soon, I like to think I still have a pretty good chance of making that match happen, especially with my luck this year. Hopefully, my luck carries on into next year, and I have trust, and I’m manifesting that is a match that will happen; Leon Slater vs. AJ Styles. [H/T
As Slater mentioned, AJ Styles is going to hang up his boots soon. The Phenomenal One has mentioned this several times in the last few months. The 48-year-old has also said that he will not wrestle in his 50s. Given that WWE has a collaborative relationship with TNA right now, Leon Slater may end up facing Styles after all.
AJ Styles and Leon Slater Have Already Shared a Big TNA Moment Together
Leon Slater won his X-Division Championship at the 2025 TNA Slammiversary by defeating Moose. This was a big triumph for the 21-year-old. Interestingly, right after he won the title, AJ Styles entered the arena to congratulate the newly crowned champion.
This was The Phenomenal One’s first-ever appearance in the promotion in 11 years. Additionally, he made his entrance to his old TNA theme, Get Ready To Fly. Styles spoke to Slater, and along with congratulatory wishes, he bestowed some wisdom on the youngster.
This was a big moment created by WWE and TNA, especially since AJ Styles was the inaugural X-Division Champion. Moreover, Slater has been very public about his idolization and admiration for Styles.
Even back then, Slater had expressed his desire to fight AJ. Thus, now that the X-Division Champ has voiced to fight the 48-year-old once again, Triple H and Carlos Silva may make it happen.
AJ Styles and John Cena Paid Tribute to Several Stars at Crown Jewel
After defeating Logan Paul at the 2025 Clash in Paris, John Cena said in a post-show interview that he won’t be able to fight all his rivals before he retires. He also noted that he would be using their moves in the ring in his remaining matches to honor his rivalry with them. At Crown Jewel, the WWE Universe saw this statement turn into reality.
John Cena began his chain of tributes by landing The Miz’s Skull Crushing Finale on Styles. He followed it with Rusev’s Accolade submission hold, Chris Jericho’s Walls of Jericho, and the late Bray Wyatt’s Sister Abigail. He also tried to go for Triple H’s Pedigree, but AJ didn’t allow Cena to execute the move.
John Cena pays tribute to Bray Wyatt and hits Sister Abigail to AJ Styles.#WWECrownJewel
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Cena also failed to land Rey Mysterio’s 619 despite getting Styles in position for the move. Lastly, he hit The Phenomenal One with Randy Orton’s RKO. He tried to follow it up with The Legend Killer’s Punt Kick as well, but Styles evaded the move. Instead, the former TNA Superstar hit Cena with a Sweet Chin Music, paying tribute to Shawn Michaels.
Did you watch the Crown Jewel match between AJ Styles and John Cena? Do you think the match helped somewhat redeem The Franchise Player’s farewell tour? Pour your thoughts in the comments section.
